Brighton restaurant hosting free Christmas meals for those in need

Arcobaleno, in St George’s Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, is a bar, restaurant and events space.

This Christmas, its founders have decided to host “a warm and joyful celebration” for those less fortunate.

Mother and son duo Luciana and Nick Cousin have been collecting donations over the last few weeks to pay for 15 Christmas meals for LGBTQ+ people who may otherwise spend the big day alone.

They have also asked people to nominate someone they think might benefit from the meal.

• READ MORE: Abba-inspired cocktails and Maltese food at this venue

The Christmas meal will be two courses – a roast dinner with all the trimmings and a choice of turkey, beef or nut roast, and a dessert of either a cheese platter, Christmas pudding and custard, profiteroles or a brownie with ice cream.

Luciana told The Argus: “Our communal tables have already been popular for our Sunday roasts so we decided to bring it back for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

“We have already had a good number of donations. For the price of a Christmas present you can make someone’s festive season so much better.

“On our big tables we encourage people to chat to each other and it is a chance to meet people and socialise in a more relaxed and informal way.”

Luciana is from Malta and said that her culture inspired her to make the communal tables at the restaurant.

• To donate a Christmas meal to someone in need, visit the website here: https://www.acrossrainbows.com/christmas-tables-of-love-2023

“We have called the campaign tables of love because that is what it is all about," she said. 

"When you are having a meal together, in Malta where I come from it is much more of a ritual and you can talk to people about your day and how you are feeling.”

Nick emphasised how Christmas can be a difficult time for many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who may not have a home to go to.

“That’s why we have the tagline No Place Like Arcobaleno – we want our place to feel cosy and welcoming to people,” said Luciana.

“Though we do have a bar and serve cocktails, we wanted to create a space that is not solely around drinking and is a bit more relaxed.